Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Saturday, June 13, 1959
Fischer Has Chess Record Similar to Belgian Count's
Count Alberic O'Kelly de Galway, Belgian chess champion, a few years ago established a reputation of entering every tournament he could schedule. He compiled a record of high scores in the process.
International Grand Master Robert Fischer, 16-year-old junior at Erasmus High School, Brooklyn, N.Y. and U.S. champion twice running, has played in every tournament he could persuade his school to permit him to attend.
Last month Fischer finished in the money in both Latin American tournaments, each a tough and demanding contest.
WHEREVER HE appears he is the special target of the opposing masters who considered themselves successful if they can score a win against Fischer, regardless of their standings.
In the Zurich tourney, 11 games of the 15-game round robin have been played. Leading is Mikhail Tahl, former Russian champion with the score of 8½ to 1½.
Fischer is second, drawn with Svetozar Gligoric of Yugoslavia, 8-3, followed in order by Paul Keres, Barcza, Larsen, Olafssen, Unzicker, Donner, Bhend, Kupper, Keller, Walther, Duckstein, Blau and Nievergelt.
FISCHER'S SCORE represents one loss (to Gligoric), four draws and six wins. In this, as well as several recent tourneys, Fischer has shown a preference for the Sicilian defense against openings of 1. P-K4.
The Sicilian sidewinder 1. ...P-QB4 rapidly develops into a fighting game in which draws are less frequent than in the usual tournament opening, the Queen's Gambit.
Since Fischer has favored the Sicilian, it has undergone close analysis to exploit its possibilities.
